Engine: R1 starter vs. standard starter

[bkz81]

This is information that I found on Bob Johnstones website.

the MDU is a four field starter
used on the R series motors. The MDY is a two field starter used on most
all other V-8s

automatic - manual
MDU 7026, MDU 7025


In researching this topic I have found that the MDY is actually the R series starter and the MDU is the common starter. Hasa anyone else found this information?

[Dwain G.]

You are correct. MDU was orginally used on all V8s. It's a three-pole design actually. A May '63 Service Letter states that 'current production Avanti and Jet-Thrust models are equipped with the four-pole MDY starter.'


Dwain G.

[64V-K7]

I just found this thread. Thanks for bringing this up. I think you should have emailed me though instead of just letting it slide by....

I get a lot of the information posted on my site from outside sources.
The data, found on my site, regarding the MDU/MDY starters came from this source...

http://www.carkb.com/Uwe/Forum.aspx/studebaker/4362/Starter-Designation

I did some research also and find the 1965 Motors Manual shows MDU starters are for 63-64 V8's but doesn't mention R-series

In looking up some old Prestolite applications, the MDY starters are used on larger displacement GM V8's (350-454), but no mention of Studebaker Avanti or the like. The larger CI application would make the argument for a 4 pole starter.

The Stude parts manual shows #1560946/947 as the R series starter but doesn't depict the Prestolite designation. SASCO shows 1560946R as the standard starter from 55-64 ( maybe that's all they have now)

There has to be someone who knows..
My information will be offlined until it's cleared up






Bob Johnstone

[StudeMichael]

Check this out Bob https://www.studebaker-info.org/Tech...6364avinfo.pdf

[Jessie J.]

The chart shows the Prestolite MDU Torque as 11 ft. lbs. and 5200 RPM.
And the Prestolite "MDY" Torque as 9 ft. lbs. and 4200 RPM.

Kind of hard to comprehend how -reducing- the starting torque, and the cranking speed by 1000 RPM could produce better starts.

[Alan]

The MDY starters can be modified by a starter re-builder. I have had a couple built by Galaxy high performance parts in Baldwin Park Ca. email: galaxyhighperformance@yahoo.com

[Paul Keller]

A nearby (Santa Maria, CA) auto electrical shop rebuilt mine w/ the extra fields - They were even able to locate three suppliers of the fields - Same part except for price. They indicated that many of the shops can provide the upgrade.
Also, Dave Thibeault ("T-Bow") Studebaker Parts & Service can do the conversion & rebuild (I would have used his service if not for the high shipping cost (Calif. to Mass.) of the very heavy starter.
paulk